Police authorised to shoot and kill in $53 million “ring of steel” security for royal wedding

POLICE have been instructed to “do whatever is necessary,” including shoot to kill — to ensure the safety of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their big day.

DON’T mess with the royal wedding.

That’s the message British authorities are sending out about security arrangements as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to tie the knot on Saturday.

Snipers in full military gear roamed London’s streets — with officers given orders to “do whatever is necessary,” and also to shoot to kill, according to the New York Post.

Armed police patrol Windsor as preparations ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tomorrow. Picture: AP Photo/Frank Augstein

“Operations will have been planned for months,” security expert Will Geddes told the Daily Star. “Police will have mapped the area, established risk profiles and worked out the modus operandi of high-risk groups.”

He added: “Police will be looking for a variety of threats,” including ISIS terror threats, stalkers, and YouTube pranksters.

The $53 million ($40 million US) security bill for a “ring of steel” perimeter is even higher that that of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding day, according to The Sun.

Armed police patrol on the High Street in Windsor on May 18, 2018, the day before the Royal wedding. Picture: AFP Photo / Oli Scarff

The country has been on high alert after a spate of terror attacks, including incidents on London Bridge, Westminster Bridge and Manchester Arena.

Vehicular attacks, as well as those by a lone attacker with a knife, could spark pandemonium in the crowds. The objective of such attacks would be publicity, Mr Geddes said

“The world will be watching — nothing can afford to go wrong,” he said.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Windsor Castle on the day before their wedding as security goes into full force. Picture: James Whatling / MEGA

Police also have asked the public not to toss confetti or other festive items during the event — citing security — and sanitation concerns, according to the Windsor & Eton Express.

“Please do not throw confetti or any other items at any time during the day, particularly during the procession.

Armed British police officers patrol the streets of Windsor the day before the royal wedding. Picture: AFP Photo / Tolga Akmen

It poses a potential security risk and it’s a bit of a pain to clean up!” the Thames Valley Police tweeted.

🎉 Confetti at the #RoyalWedding 🎉

Please do not throw confetti or any other items at any time during the day, particularly during the procession.

It poses a potential security risk and it's a bit of a pain to clean up! 😅

We hope everyone enjoys the day 😇 pic.twitter.com/wrMlIe8Hfy

— Thames Valley Police (@ThamesVP) May 18, 2018

This article first appeared in the New York Post and is republished with permission.

Originally published as Police authorised to shoot and kill in $53 million “ring of steel” security for royal wedding